U.S. Department of Energy Selects Five States to Explore Building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Hubs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on July 28 that it has selected Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho as potential host states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Hubs. The DOE has signed memorandums of understanding with these five states and will continue to evaluate the conditions and plans for hosting the hubs in each state.

On January 28 of this year, the DOE issued a Request for Information, inviting states to express interest in building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Hubs. The proposed hubs are intended to support full lifecycle activities for nuclear fuel, including fuel fabrication, uranium enrichment, spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, and waste disposal. Depending on state priorities and regional capabilities, the hubs may also accommodate facilities for advanced reactor deployment, power generation, advanced manufacturing, and data centers.

The DOE stated that the solicitation received 28 applications from 26 states. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said that the five preliminary candidate states will further explore the possibility of building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Hubs. According to DOE estimates, the proposed hubs could attract up to $50 billion in capital investment, generate up to $10 billion in state and local tax revenue, and create nearly 25,000 jobs during hub construction and operation.

Under the preliminary schedule, the deadline for states to submit statements of interest is April 1, 2026. Application materials must explain how the proposed hub would promote goals such as workforce development, infrastructure investment, economic diversification, or technological leadership, and describe the planned scope of activities. The DOE stated that the state ultimately selected to host the hub will sign a hosting agreement with the DOE in a subsequent phase.

The governors of the five states have all responded to being selected for the preliminary candidate list. Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox said that Utah is advancing full lifecycle nuclear energy capabilities, from fuel production to advanced reactor deployment. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee stated that Tennessee has a strong nuclear energy industrial base and is willing to continue participating in the development of safe and reliable energy solutions.

Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt said that the state hopes to integrate nuclear energy into its energy development plan and will collaborate with local communities, businesses, and research institutions to advance related projects. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated that the state has a long-standing foundation in energy innovation and is ready to participate in the new phase of nuclear energy development. Idaho Governor Brad Little said that Idaho has been involved in nuclear innovation for over 70 years and will work with the DOE to advance nuclear lifecycle-related efforts.